What is a sectional view in architectural drawings?

A sectional view in architectural drawings serves a crucial function by depicting the interior of a structure as though it has been sliced through, allowing viewers to see the arrangement of spaces, materials, and structural elements. This kind of drawing is particularly helpful in illustrating details that are not easily conveyed in standard floor plans or elevations, as it reveals the vertical relationships between different levels and spaces within the building. By presenting a "cut-through" perspective, sectional views enable architects, builders, and clients to understand how various elements interact within the three-dimensional context of the design, including wall thicknesses, ceiling heights, and construction details.

The other options do not convey this specific purpose effectively: a view illustrating exterior elements focuses on the outside appearance of the structure, while a type of elevation view represents vertical surfaces without the depth provided by a sectional cut. Meanwhile, a plan view showing site layout typically captures horizontal layouts, not the internal spatial configurations that are highlighted in a sectional view.